The Hawks Won't Make The Playoffs… Zhamnov Will.

According to Chicago Blackhawks GM Bob Pulford, Alexei Zhamnov WILL be traded by the Hawks come the Trade Deadline.

(TSN.ca)

Pulford: Zhamnov gone by Mar. 9

Alexei Zhamnov’s days with the Chicago Blackhawks are numbered.

General Manager Bob Pulford confirmed to Chicago’s Daily Herald on Tuesday that the Hawks are going to deal Zhamnov before the March 9 trade deadline after discussions regarding a possible contract extension stalled.

“I had talks with Alex and I had talks with his agent (Jay Grossman) and we were unable to come to a conclusion on a contract, therefore we are going to try and move him,” Pulford told the paper.

“Alex is a heck of a guy and I personally like him a great deal, but that’s part of the business. I wish we could have come to a conclusion.”

The Hawks reportedly wanted Zhamnov to sign a new multiyear contract for less than the $4.5 million he presently earns. The 33-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.

“I expect to be traded,” Zhamnov said prior to Tuesday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks at General Motors Place. “It’s hard to come to the rink.”

Pulford and assistant GM Dale Tallon have spoken to a number of teams about Zhamnov, with rumours that include the Canucks. It’s also believed that Detroit, Colorado, San Jose, Ottawa, New Jersey and possibly Atlanta are interested in the centre.

——-

My take on this: Zhamnov won’t go to the Wings, I just don’t see it happening. I’d like to see him go to Vancouver as he would be a good fit for their team. I say that the Sharks will either acquire Robert Lang or Zhamnov before the trade deadline.

It will be an exciting trade deadline after all. Perhaps the most exciting in the last 10 years with the strong possibility of a lockout next season. Look for contenders to make major moves and give it a last shot at the cup before what could be a long NHL work stoppage…